2022 Mesa Visitors Guide

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THE DESERT IS CALLING
Forging a Path Together:
MESA'S Hawes Trail Alliance
A group of outdoor enthusiasts
united over a shared passion for
Mesa’s Sonoran Desert beauty —
and ignited preservation efforts
to ensure future generations can
explore this landscape for years
to come.
Jessica Dunham
Jessica Dunham is a Phoenix-based
writer, covering travel and the
outdoors. She’s also the author of
three books: Route 66 Road Trip, The
Open Road: 50 Best Road Trips in the
USA and the forthcoming 52 Things
to Do in Phoenix and Tucson.
“There was so much potential to build
a great system of trails in our own
backyard,” says Stapley. “And when we
met with the Forest Service, the county
and the city, we found overwhelming
support and encouragement.”
In 2018, the Hawes Trail Alliance was
officially formed as a 501c-3 non-profit
with Stapley, Taylor, Petrocelli and
Norberg named as co-founders.
A COMMUNITY
COMES TOGETHER
In a few short years, the efforts of
the Hawes Trail Alliance have yielded
impressive results.
Tommy Stapley has been an avid
cyclist for decades. The Mesa
resident travels the country to
hit mountain bike trails in Utah,
Colorado and California. But his
favorite spot to get a little dirt
under his tires? The Hawes Trail
System, right here in Mesa. The
62-mile labyrinth of recreational
trails weaves through the cactusstudded
vistas of Tonto National
Forest, and is ringed by Usery
Pass Road, Power Road and Bush Highway. On any given day you’ll find hikers, bikers and horseback riders
traversing its paths. “The Hawes Trail System is the best desert trail network in the Southwest,” Stapley
says. “The diverse topography, views of Red Mountain and year-round accessibility… There’s nothing like it
anywhere.” Fellow cyclists Grant Taylor, Crystal Petrocelli and Michael Norberg have been riding these desert
tracks for years, too, and know this slice of heaven is something special. But unlike other trail networks,
the Hawes System had no organization maintaining it. That’s when Stapley, Taylor, Petrocelli and Norberg
decided to form one themselves.
THE DREAM REALIZED
The Alliance developed a Master
Plan approved by the National Forest
Service; upgraded 24 miles of existing
trails; built 27 miles of new trails;
added signage at 50 trail intersections;
installed safety gates at six access
points; and has been conducting
bi-monthly maintenance.
But none of this could have been
accomplished without the Mesa
community rallying around the cause.
Explains Norberg: “We’ve been able to
partner with businesses that want to
provide meaningful service—getting
on the trails and “getting dirty” with
physical work—and also with high
school and development cycling groups
who volunteer their time.”
With an all-hands-on-deck approach to
recreating responsibly and caring for
the desert everyone loves, the Hawes
Trail Alliance has logged more than
5,500 volunteer hours and raised more
than $350,000.
Seven miles of new trails are currently
under development and will be open to
users in spring 2022. Also underway is
connectivity to other trails that cross
the Hawes System—the link to Usery
Pass Regional Park should hopefully be
completed next year.
The Alliance is also raising funds to
build three parking areas and three
trailheads, and it’s working with the
Environmental Protection Agency on
an assessment to ensure all plans
receive environmental and historical
archaeological clearance.
“The Hawes Trail System is an
incredible way to start each day,” says
Stapley. “It’s why I love living in Mesa.
And now, we’ve been able to create a
world-class trail system for everyone.”
For news and updates, trail maps,
trail etiquette, plus information on how
to volunteer or donate, visit the Hawes
Trail Alliance website:
hawestrailalliance.com.
In 2017, the group began talks about establishing an alliance
that would not only enhance the current trails of the Hawes
System, but one that would also grow the trail network.
The group’s goal was three-fold: preserve the existing footprint
with trail maintenance and sustainability stewardship; promote
safety through signage and education about trail etiquette;
and inspire multi-use engagement by creating diverse trails of
varying difficulty.
The first order of business? A call to the mayor.
“One of the benefits of the Alliance,”
adds Taylor, “is bringing together local
and federal agencies with businesses
that all want to encourage healthy
outdoor lifestyles.”
VISION FOR THE FUTURE
So what’s next for the Hawes Trail
Alliance’s Master Plan?
And recently the Alliance teamed up
with Invitation Homes—the largest
single-family rental company in the
United States—on a three-year plan
where Invitation Homes will donate
$50,000 annually to the Alliance.
VISIT MESA
GATEWAY TO ADVENTURE:
THE APACHE
TRAIL
ADVENTURE
EXPLORER
GUIDE
Recognized by the Arizona Office of Tourism as one of the most
scenic byways in the state, the historic Apache Trail, just east of
Mesa, was built more than 100 years ago serving as a main access
way to the Roosevelt Dam construction site. Named for the crews
of Apache Native Americans who helped pave this treacherous
path, the Apache Trail was completed in 1905 at a cost of more than
one-half mi lion do lars. Today, hitting the historic Apache Trail is
sti l one of the most popular day trips for anyone visiting the Valley
with inviting attractions lining the trail. As you pass the mysterious
Superstition Mountains and head into the foothi ls of the Tonto
National Forest, the area continues to pay homage to its Western
roots which took shape in the late 1800s.
APACHE TRAIL ATTRACTIONS
APACHE TRAIL TOURS
480.982.7661 | apachetrailtours.com
DOLLY STEAMBOAT AT CANYON LAKE MARINA
480.827.9144 | do lysteamboat.com
GOLDFIELD GHOST TOWN FEATURING SUPERSTITION ZIPLINE
480.983.0333 | goldfieldghosttown.com
LOST DUTCHMAN STATE PARK
480.982.4485 | azstateparks.com
SUPERSTITION MOUNTAIN MUSEUM
480.983.4888 | superstitionmountainmuseum.org
TORTILLA FLAT SALOON & AUTHENTIC OLD WEST STAGECOACH STOP
480.984.1776 | tortillaflataz.com
LOCATION: LOST DUTCHMAN STATE PARK
GETTING THERE | To access the 40+-mile Apache Trail (64 kilometres) from
Mesa, head east on Main Street or east along the U.S. 60 to the Idaho Road
exit. Off Idaho Road, follow signs toward Highway 88. The trail wi l weave
you pas three lakes – Canyon, Apache and Roosevelt. Paved road ends at
Tortilla Flat. Take caution while driving, the trail features numerous switchbacks
throughout the entire route that connects Mesa to Globe.
“I knew this project had great potential and I was eager to
support the goals of the Hawes Trail Alliance right out of the
gate,” says City of Mesa Mayor, John Giles. “This area of Mesa
is stunning—it’s a true point of pride for our city and more than
worthy of preservation.”
The conversation then expanded to include Maricopa County
and Tonto National Forest.
DISCOVER MORE DESERT FUN WHEN YOU DOWNLOAD THE DIGITAL
ADVENTURE EXPLORER GUIDE
Download the Adventure Explorer Guide at VisitMesa.com. The digital guide outlines even more ways to discover
the unique and exotic terrain on display in the Sonoran Desert with lists for Birding, Desert Wildlife, Desert Vegetation
and more.
visitmesa.com
2022 Visitors Guide | Adventure Explorer | 13